Thursday, May 22, 2014

Today there is a report out showing 38% of all pregnancies in Detroit ends at an abortion mill, while in the State of Michigan, that number is 11%.

A large percentage of a generation in Detroit has died by dismemberment or chemical burns and experts blame it on poverty. Poverty? The same people would not think of summarily executing kids in Detroit because they are living in poverty. It surprises me that in the year 2014, with all the technology we have, so-called experts are ignoring the fact that we are talking about human beings, not a clump of tissue. Nothing will change as long as the unborn are ignored as persons, with equal dignity, and a right to life.

My mother and father who were raised in Detroit during the 30's, like most who were raised in immigrant homes, came from impoverished families. My father spoke of the lard sandwiches and lack of things like milk. He shared not just a bedroom, but a bed, with siblings. My mother would recount wearing all the hand-me-down underwear from older cousins. Generations would live in one three story house and even my teenage mother, finding work, spoke with joy of giving her earnings to her grandmother who raised her. When my mom and dad first married, all they had was an orange crate and a lamp in a tiny 600 square foot house. My dad gave her money to go get some new underwear. When she came home from the store with basic necessities for her husband and baby, my dad made her go back and return the items to get what she needed.

If poverty is the cause of today's astronomical abortion rate in Detroit, then we have to ask how generations like that of my mother and father survived such poverty without the convenience of abortion on demand. Back in the 30's there were back-alley abortions, but what percent was it? I doubt it was 38%, or even a full 1% of pregnancies. Today, there are so many childless families waiting to adopt infants that they are going over seas to get them - all at the same time, babies are being torn limb-by-limb with a suction machine even at the age other babies are being heroically saved amidst challenging medical conditions. There are growing numbers of crisis pregnancy centers filled with volunteers giving their time to help women to bring their babies to term. They help them with needs before and after birth, and assist them with putting the child up for adoption if they cannot keep them.

What you won't really find amidst all of the discussion about Detroit's abortion rate, is the breakdown of the family. Our present culture rooted in the so-called sexual revolution has made it more acceptable to do what you want, when you want, with whomever or whatever you want while making it unacceptable to talk about the fact that there is another person in the mix who usually gets the short end of the stick, or finds herself being chemically burned to death - a baby. Well educated people and studies from prestigious universities don't dare go there because it is not politically correct.

Detroit has a predominantly African American demographic. Rev. Clenard Childress runs BlackGenocide.com where he is trying to raise awareness of the leading cause of death among blacks. The most dangerous environment for an African American in Detroit is not among gangs, or in the neighborhood; it's in the womb. Among those lost, of all races involved, are doctors, scientists, musicians, clergy, friends, neighbors, and many more ordinary people who might have influenced our lives for the better.

Detroit has lost 38% of a generation. If we factor in abortifacient contraceptives that number is much higher. That's an epidemic and should be treated like one, without fear of raising legitimate questions about the sexual revolution that has fueled it.

It hurts all the more for those who believe that babies are ensouled at conception. Those who are aborted never get an opportunity to know God, love God, or serve God - the Author of Life.

Tuesday, May 13, 2014

That was the scene last night at St. Paul's - the chapel used by Catholics at Harvard as a Satanic "Black Mass" was to take place, but organizers were left scrambling at the last minute for an off-campus location. More on that in a minute. The Archdiocese of Boston arranged this Holy Hour with Adoration which was preceded by a Eucharistic procession. Over 40 pictures have been uploaded to a post on the public archdiocesan Facebook page including the one above by George Martell/The Pilot Media Group. As you can see, there was hardly any standing room. Here are a few more images from the same photographer/group.

"Black Mass" canceled …. or not?

Just before midnight last night, the Boston Globe reported:

A reenactment of satanic rituals known as a “black mass” that had been scheduled for Monday evening on the Harvard campus was abruptly canceled amid a chorus of condemnation from Catholic groups and university officials and students.

However, a scaled-down version of the event, without the original sponsorship of the Harvard Extension Cultural Studies Club, was apparently held late Monday by members of the New York-based Satanic Temple off campus, at the Hong Kong lounge in Harvard Square.

Lucien Greaves, a temple spokesman, said in an e-mail at 10:35 p.m. that the mass was “happening now” at the Hong Kong. He did not say how many people were participating or provide specifics on what was happening.

A lounge employee, who would only identify himself as Fred, said in a phone interview that temple members were drinking at the bar, but he did not believe they were performing any rituals.

Harvard president takes a 'personally opposed, but' position

"...The 'black mass' had its historical origins as a means of denigrating the Catholic Church; it mocks a deeply sacred event in Catholicism, and is highly offensive to many in the Church and beyond. The decision by a student club to sponsor an enactment of this ritual is abhorrent; it represents a fundamental affront to the values of inclusion, belonging and mutual respect that must define our community. It is deeply regrettable that the organizers of this event, well aware of the offense they are causing so many others, have chosen to proceed with a form of expression that is so flagrantly disrespectful and inflammatory.

Nevertheless, consistent with the University’s commitment to free expression, including expression that may deeply offend us, the decision to proceed is and will remain theirs. At the same time, we will vigorously protect the right of others to respond—and to address offensive expression with expression of their own.

I plan to attend a Eucharistic Holy Hour and Benediction at St. Paul's Church on our campus on Monday evening in order to join others in reaffirming our respect for the Catholic faith at Harvard and to demonstrate that the most powerful response to offensive speech is not censorship, but reasoned discourse and robust dissent…"

And, she did attend, as seen in the photo from the same collection.

Unfortunately, what she failed to grasp was that it wasn't just the sensitivities of Catholics that was in need of defending, but defending the Eucharist from a ritual that historically involves desecration. Catholics have died while protecting the Eucharist. Recall the twelve year old St. Tarsius who died in this fashion.

Pontius Pilate and the 'personally opposed, but' position

Blogging canonist, Ed Peters, had something to say about President Faust's statement. It should serve as an examination of conscience for all of us when faced with these kinds of challenges based on the modern 'virtue' of so-called tolerance. We should consider the times when we may have taken the road traveled by Pontius Pilate:

Amid growing controversy over the planned crucifixion of Jesus of Nazareth, Roman procurator Pontius Pilate, who is on record as being personally opposed to the execution of the preacher Jesus, said in a statement released today that it is “deeply regrettable” that crucifixion agitators will proceed despite the fervent opposition by some local residents and students. But he continued, “Nevertheless, consistent with the commitment to free expression, including expression that may deeply offend us, the decision to proceed is and will remain theirs.” Pilate added, “I wash my hands of the whole affair.”

Sound familiar? Compare it to this report on Harvard President Drew Faust’s statement about the Harvard Black Mass

More on the origins of the 'black mass' and what it involves

Just how did the 'black mass' originate, and when? Michelle Bauman, writing for Catholic News Agency explains:

A black mass is a sacrilegious ceremony structured as a parody of the Catholic Mass. Connected to witchcraft and demonic worship, it invokes Satan and demons, often in Latin.

The ceremony is centered around the desecration of the Eucharist, which is generally done by stealing a consecrated host from a Catholic Church and using it in a profane sexual ritual, or defecating and urinating on it.

This is one reason why there is a growing number of Catholics wanting to see a return to distribution of Holy Communion, on the tongue. Imagine how difficult it is to use a Consecrated Host after it has been in someone's mouth. It is possible, but less likely than when one receives in the hand. There is nothing good about a 'black mass,' but where there is sin, grace abounds (Rom 5:20). One grace I see is that Catholics are seeing that there really are people out there who want to desecrate the Eucharist. This isn't something from the dark ages - it's happening all the time, but usually in secrecy. I think these folks would have preferred not to have this flood light shining on their dark gig, but it's a good thing it was all brought to light.

The CNA article continues:

A spokesperson for The Satanic Temple, which is staging the event, initially told media outlets that a consecrated host would be used, although the temple and the Cultural Studies Club both later denied this, insisting that only a plain piece of bread would be used.

It's a little hard to have a 'black mass' without a Consecrated Host since desecrating It is at the heart of the matter. And, let's face it, why should we accept the word of anyone who worships the Father of Lies?

Responding to widespread criticism, the Cultural Studies Club told CNA that those offended by the event have closed-minded beliefs “based on intolerance and ignorance,” which are “arrogant and egocentric.”

The club claimed that the black mass “began as a propagandistic literary device to justify brutal purges against alleged witches,” saying that “(t)he idea originated with the Church itself.”

However, Pecknold responded that it “is patently false to claim that the idea of the Black mass originated with the Catholic Church itself.”

“The Black Mass is largely a modern invention of anti-Catholic propaganda. Anton LaVey (founder of the Church of Satan and author of The Satanic Bible) admitted that much.”

“What we really should be asking is what the sponsors of the Black Mass are aiming at. What is their goal?” Pecknold continued.

Exactly. If a 'black mass' isn't aimed at promoting hatred, I don't know what is.

“The sponsors claim not to be mocking the Catholic faith, but that is precisely what Black Masses are designed to do: ridicule, desecrate and mock that which is most sacred and holy to Catholic Christians. Can you imagine if the same group treated the Jewish or Muslim faith this way?”

“My guess is that the aim is not reasoned argument, but spectacle designed to test the limits of toleration,” he suggested.

The Cardinal's Response

Earlier in the day Cardinal O'Malley, asked about the 'black mass,' called it "repugnant," saying there is such a fascination with evil in the world. He wondered aloud why the university would permit something which is offensive to so many people to take place on campus. He acknowledged to the reporter that he had asked that it be canceled.

Pray for all involved. There will be hell to pay.

For interesting news items I don't have time to blog on, check out my Twitter Feed: @TeDeumBlog

It's all happening tonight. The best thing we can all do is make an act of reparation. Go to Mass, make a Holy Hour, pray a Rosary, or any other prayer you can offer, no matter how modest and do it for the reparation of this offense and for the conversion of sinners. Assumption Grotto has Mass at 7:00 p.m. every weeknight evening.

I hope Harvard gets hit in the pocket book by alumni and other groups who donate money to the prestigious university.

Others have already made the point, but I doubt Harvard would permit a Quran burning, nor should they. Aside from the fact that a 'black mass' mocks the Catholic Mass and is an act of worship of Satan - the Father of Lies and Evil of all evil, this whole thing is beneath the dignity of any university, let alone Harvard.

Update on Health Status:

I haven't been blogging much, not so much because I'm so sick that I cannot, but because I am doing somewhat better and now trying to catch up on so much work around my house. I'm on a very strict diet - one used for diverticulitis (even though I've not been diagnosed with it), and is lactose free, wheat free, gluten free, and low-FODMaP. I'm still not well enough to get into many activities and am reserving my strength for getting the house back in order after nearly 3 years of neglect.

I'm much more active on Facebook which allows me to post with the click of a button, so if you don't see me active for a while, check there.

For interesting news items I don't have time to blog on, check out my Twitter Feed: @TeDeumBlog

Sunday, May 11, 2014

May God bless all of you mothers out there today and shower you with many graces.

For those deceased mothers, pray with me, the De Profundis.

De Profundis

Out of the depths I cry to You, O Lord;Lord, hear my voice.Let Your ears be attentive to my voice in supplication.If You, O Lord, mark iniquities, Lord, who can stand?But with You is forgiveness, that You may be revered.I trust in the Lord; my soul trusts in His word.My soul waits for the Lord more than sentinels wait for the dawn.More than sentinels wait for the dawn, let Israel wait for the Lord,For with the Lord is kindness and with Him is plenteous redemption;And He will redeem Israel from all their iniquities.

Of this, Fr. John A. Hardon, in his Modern Catholic Dictionary, writes:

Psalm 129 [130], "Out of the depths," which is one of the fifteen Gradual Psalms and the one of the seven Penitential Psalms. It is part of the Divine Office, generally recited or sung at Vespers, and always in the Office of the Dead. In the revised Handbook of Indulgences there is a partial indulgence granted for every recitation of De Profundis. Its theme is a plea for divine mercy and the expression of confident trust in God. In some countries this Psalm is recited to the ringing of the bell about 9 P.M., and in Ireland it was regularly said at Mass after the Last Gospel for the victims of former religious persecutions.

Last, but not least, we honor Mary, the Mother of God.

O Queen of heaven rejoice! alleluia:
For He whom thou didst merit to bear, alleluia,
Hath arisen as he said, alleluia.
Pray for us to God, alleluia.

Let us pray
O God, who gave joy to the world through the resurrection of Thy Son, our Lord Jesus Christ; grant, we beseech Thee, that through His Mother, the Virgin Mary, we may obtain the joys of everlasting life. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.

For interesting news items I don't have time to blog on, check out my Twitter Feed: @TeDeumBlog

Thursday, May 1, 2014

I regret experiencing somewhat of a setback on the gut problems that halted my attempts to finish the Triduum and Easter Sunday posts. I got a little too aggressive with trying to resume a normal diet and that was a mistake. I will try to catch up on posting photos and homilies later tonight, so check back.

This morning I read an address recently given by Archbishop Chaput on Saint Francis of Assisi. I don't know if there is any saint more broadly misunderstood and whose life is more perverted by people today. Francis embraced the Eucharist and the Cross in ways many today do not understand.

Archbishop Chaput begins his April 25th talk by discussing Pope Francis and ends with discussion of the beloved Saint Francis. Here is one snippet.

In his biography of Francis, Augustine Thompson — the Dominican author — notes that Francis had a passionate devotion to the Blessed Sacrament. It was the heart of his life. The Mass was the grounding for all his work. There’s no way of reinterpreting Francis in generically do-gooder or humanitarian terms. He had hard words for those who oppressed the poor, but even harsher words for those who ignored the Eucharistic presence.

Francis had a special horror of “the cheap and tarnished chalices and filthy linens that [many priests of his time] considered good enough for use in worship. Francis’ sense of beauty and decency, which he had mortified by choosing to live amid poverty and outcasts, had not been deadened. Its object was no longer fine garments and meals for himself, but items dedicated to the Lord who died for him.”[iv]

Archbishop Allen H. Vigneron

St. John of the Cross

Dark Night of the Soul (2.2:3)...

"...the devil causes many to believe in vain visionsand false prophecies; and strives to make them presumethat God and the saints are speaking with them; and they often trust their own fancy. And the devil is also accustomed, in this state, to fill them with presumption and pride, so that they become attracted by vanity and arrogance, and allow themselves to be seen engaging in outward acts which appear holy, such as raptures and other manifestations. Thus they become bold with God, and lose holy fear, which is the key and the custodian of all the virtues; and in some of these souls so many are the falsehoods and deceits which tend to multiply, and so inveterate do they grow, that it is very doubtful if such souls will return to the pure road of virtue and true spirituality."